Hank Troy, the veteran pianist for Chautauqua's Silent Film Series, said that once upon some summers ago, a resident skunk used to saunter through the auditorium occasionally while vintage black-and-white silent films shone on the historic venue's silver screen.

"It never seemed to bother anybody, and we never bothered the skunk, so everything worked out," said Troy, from Germany, via email.

Perhaps the skunk felt in its element, matching the monochromatic setting.

Whatever the distraction, the Silent Film Series has carried on, and after helping launch the event 33 years ago, Troy will kick off the popular Boulder film-and-music series at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday with piano accompaniment for Hollywood's legendary pup in the 1923 film "Rin Tin Tin: Where the North Begins."

Films will screen every Wednesday (except for July 4) through Aug. 15. The series features comedy, romance and adventure, with some of silent film's favorite stars, including Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, Louise Brooks and Harold Lloyd, all set to the backdrop of live music — courtesy of the rotating talents of Troy, Louisville's famed Mont Alto Motion Picture Orchestra and the Silent Cinema Trio.

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Troy said one of his favorite aspects of the series is that, while more rare these days, he almost always has audience members share their memories of old films first playing in their hometown.

"This was always a treat," Troy said. "I often still get people who tell me that their mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, etc., played for the movies in the silent era."

Live music accompanies Chautauqua's Silent Film Series, which begins June 13. (Jonathan Auerbach / Courtesy photo)

He described the experience as "a very special place where you step back into time," including visiting the grounds of a historic Colorado site, and " back into the wonderful time when people went to the movies and not only saw a film, but also got a live music performance."

This year, curator Tom Hart, who recently retired as Chautauqua's program coordinator, snagged a gem with a remastered film from the British Film Institute, "The Epic of Everest" (1924).

"Oh boy, that's quite a find," Hart said. This will be the seventh season he's programmed the films. "It goes through the first really strong attempt two climbers tried to ascend Everest."

Climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine were both lost in the climb, but a third man, Captain John Noel, had a hand-cranked camera and documented much of the trip and the ascent from afar, Hart said. The vintage footage shows old climbing ropes and equipment from the 1920s, quite fitting, he agreed, for an active town like Boulder. Footage includes some breathtaking scenery from old monasteries, he said.

Troy said that about 11,000 silent films were made and only 20 percent of them have survived. Many people may not know they're sitting on goldmines from a bygone era as many of these "lost" films could be sitting in closet corners or storage units. But, in the meantime, they can enjoy the ones Chautauqua has in its catalog.

"Our Silent Film Series offers the community a glimpse into our cultural history in a beautiful, historic setting," said Chautauqua marketing manager Shannon Bock. "To look back at the popular cultural traditions and interpretations of this historical period is important to remember — it connects us to our past. I love seeing children, parents and grandparents enjoy the films together, and always with a smile on their face."

Lineup

Rin Tin Tin: Where The North Begins — "I'm really exited about Rin Tin Tin. It's his very first feature film," said Hart, noting that his master shopped the script around Hollywood studios, and after he knocked on Warner Bros.'s door, "Rin Tin Tin became their bread and butter for years." (1923, 77 minutes. Screens June 13)

The Freshman — "This is Harold Lloyd's blockbuster film," said Hart. "He plays a nerdy, cowardly college student who will do anything to gain popularity and win the girl. It's classic, just one great gag after another." Also screening is Lloyd's 1919 short "Just Neighbors." (1925, 90 minutes. Screens June 20)

The Mark Of Zorro — "I'd say this is the original superhero film," said Hart. "It's really what Superman had to be made out of. It's about this weak and wimpy person who puts on a mask and saves the world." (1920, 107 minutes. Screens June 27.)

Charlie Chaplin Comedy Night — Hart said this evening of the Chaplin short comedies "The Cure," "Sunnyside" and "A Day's Pleasure" came before he made he foray into big feature films. (1917 and 1919, 86 minutes. Screens July 11)

The Epic of Everest — A look at a fatal expedition nearly 100 years later through a recently restored documentary. (1924, 87 minutes. Screens July 18.)

The Son of the Sheik — "This was Rudolph Valentino's last film and perhaps his best film," said Troy. Valentino plays two roles — the Sheik and the son of the Sheik. "I remember my grandfather talking about Rudolph Valentino," said Troy. "He was such a heartthrob for everyone back in the day. When people see him on screen now, they still think the same thing." Charlie Chaplin's classic "The Immigrant" will also be screened, "which is appropriate today, Charlie was always making social commentary on issues affecting society," said Hart. (1926, 94 minutes. Screens July 25.)

Speedy — "Another great comedy with Harold Lloyd," said Hart. "Perhaps the best part of this film is that much of it was filmed at Coney Island in its heyday, so viewers get to see the old island when it was a popular tourist spot." Hart said Lloyd tries to save his girlfriend from thugs in the classic comedy. Plus there's a cameo from Babe Ruth. (1928, 86 minutes. Screens Aug. 1)

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — The infamous split-personality horror film starring John Barrymore is a classic that filmmakers and actors have drawn inspiration from over the last century, said Hart. Buster Keaton's 1921 film "The Haunted House" will also be screened. (1920, 69 minutes. Screens Aug. 8.)

Beggars Of Life — "When it comes to cinematography, acting and plot, this is the best film of the season," said Hart. "The star Louise Brooks had the gift that Marilyn Monroe had — she was just electric on film, she was just beautiful." Hart added that, in a time when stunt-doubles were rare, the chase scene on top of a train is legendary and "breathtaking."(1928, 100 minutes. Screens Aug. 15.)

For the Silent Film Series, Hart said viewers will be "transported back" to an era that wasn't cluttered with overwhelming technology and action.

"It's different experience," said Hart. "It makes you appreciate the craft of filmmaking and see the roots of film that has wonderful tonality of the black and white. It wasn't sophisticated, it was very organic.

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